Thai-China to jointly manage water sustainably

BANGKOK, Sept 9 (TNA) - The Thai and Chinese governments had inked an agreement to joined carry out efficient water management operations to ease impact of flood and drought. Thai Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Gen Surasak Kanjanarat and Chinese Water Resources Minister Mr Chen Lei signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on water resources between Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and China's Ministry of Water Resources. Director-general of Department of Water Resources and MNRE spokesman Suphot Tovichakchaikul said what comes after the signing of the agreement is the setting up of a joint committee to oversee cooperation on water resources. The establishment of the said committee, said the spokesman, would represent a clear beginning of knowledge, research, and technology training exchange, which would in turn help to increase the capability of Thai officials to efficiently management flood and drought in the country. The Chinese water resources minister, on the other hand, expressed confidence that the agreement would help improve the Mekong River management downstream, which covers countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Lao PDR, and Cambodia. (TNA)